Latest news with #JessicaHayes
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island is about many things – but love certainly isn't one of them
LOVE Island celebrates its tenth birthday this week – and I confess I watch the show. But I'd rather be frogmarched to the nearest convent, forced to take a vow of chastity and spend the next 50 years doing Hail Marys over my Rosary beads than spend a single second in the Love Island villa. 7 7 And it seems I'm not the only one. Original Love Island winner Jessica Hayes says she was so put off by blokes that she has given up on romance and actually taken a vow of celibacy! Holy smoke. That's probably not the ringing endorsement ITV producers will be rolling out for their anniversary coverage. Now, I'm not some bra-burning man hater. I promise! I can understand why so many young, buff singletons would quite happily shove their granny under the nearest bus to get a ticket to Spain and hook up with fit blokes. The world of dating is hard. Horrible, even. You have to endlessly swipe through apps looking at profiles of tattoo-smothered men posing aggressively in front of the mirror in their gym, or even worse, their loo (yuck) while reeling off impossible demands they expect of any woman. She must be a ten out of ten. She must let him hang out with his mates until 3am. She must be totally attentive to his every need. She must not be demanding. Then comes the awkward first dates. Meeting in a crowded pub (just in case he is not your Mr Right but actually a crazed axe murderer), sipping a gin and slim while you are asked the inevitable roll call of questions. Where did you grow up? What do you do for a living? Do you like travelling? Forget sparks flying, these encounters can be more boreathon than bonkathon. Who wouldn't prefer to hang out in a sun-drenched villa and coupling up with a perfectly chiselled gym bunny? Love Island's Maura Higgins reacts after Tom Walker denies nasty comment But a trip through Love Island's best bits reveals that romance is the last thing you should expect in the villa. Remember when Maura Higgins was getting ready to go to the hideaway with Tom Walker? She overheard him boasting: 'I just want to see if she's all mouth!' as the rest of the cocky lads set about laughing. Maura, sassy Irishwoman that she is, didn't stand for that rubbish. Rounding on Tom, she fumed: 'Are you joking? That's disgraceful, Tom. That's absolutely f***ing disgusting.' Gormless Tom was left gawping like a goldfish as he tried to claim he didn't mean it, was just copying the lads and was really a nice chap after all. Maura had won over the nation's hearts with her straight talking. But she was still in the lonely hearts club herself. Then there was poor Zara Holland, who was stripped of her Miss Great Britain title and crown after having sex with Alex Bowen on the show. Cheeky grin Dissolving in tears as she realised all her hard work had gone down the toilet like so many make-up-stained tissues, the rest of the girls dried her eyes, gave her hugs and told her she will move on to bigger and better things. So what was her fella Alex doing? Staring at the ground, looking bemused and shrugging his shoulders. He may look like an Adonis carved out of stone, but is he really husband material? And there was the time when Jordan Hames asked Anna Vakili to be his girlfriend on the show in 2019. Flashing a cheeky grin, he said he was 'so nervous' to pop the question and told how the couple had 'been through so much' in the villa they could 'literally get through anything'. Apart from two more days together apparently. Just 48 hours later he was cracking on with new girl India Reynolds, staring into her big brown eyes and telling her: 'I feel like I have been gravitating towards you.' Yeah, gravitating a bit like a dodgy Soviet rocket that has exploded in space and come crashing back down to Earth. Anna came storming over to confront and dump him. Romeo and Juliet this ain't. So by all means stick the telly on, tuck into a box of Milk Tray and enjoy Love Island. But trust me, ladies — you are much more likely to get pied than find love across the fire pit. GAME ON! LIONESSES CAN STILL SHINE BRIGHT 7 7 IT has been three years since our proud Lionesses won the women's Euros – sending the nation into a footie frenzy. The stunning victory over Germany was a defining moment in our country's sporting history. And it inspired a new generation of girls to grab a football and get on to the pitch. Our reigning champs are gearing up to defend their title when the tournament kicks off in Switzerland next month. Manager Sarina Wiegman has named her squad. And we have a brilliant chance of victory – even without Millie Bright and her love life saga. So come on, ladies – show the blokes how it's done and go all the way this summer. The whole country is behind you! BENCH BAN SO BARMY 7 MORE grim news of bossy Britain. A lovely pub called The Trafalgar, in Greenwich, South London, put lots of wooden benches outside so people can enjoy a pie and a pint overlooking the River Thames. They had to – it was Covid. Politicians had made it a criminal offence to sup a beverage indoors. But now those fun-hating pen-pushers at Labour-run Greenwich council have ordered the boozer, managed by Vasil Vasilev, to remove half its outdoor seating. Why? The benches are packed with happy punters spending cash and boosting the local economy. And the street is wide enough for pushchairs and wheelchairs to still get down there. I should know – I live up the road. The landlord says that if he is forced to pull down his seating he may have to slash staff to plug the hole in his coffers. I thought the Labour government's number one priority is economic growth? Maybe Chancellor Rachel Reeves should get down to South London, have a word with her comrades in the local council and tell them to lay off our pubs. Let Brits drink beer, I say! WALL? I WILL NAIL IT 7 I'M off round my mum and dad's house this weekend. To build a wall. Turns out sticking a few bricks back on to the front garden wall will set you back thousands and thousands if you ask a professional to do it. So me, my sister and my mum are going to do it ourselves. We have bought the ready-mixed cement and, more importantly, dusted off our chicest dungarees and most fetching headscarves for the task. Who says building stuff is man's work? I am sure we are up to the task. I just hope I don't break a nail. MEG'S MIXED SIGNAL I'M confused. Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle private citizens who want to keep their kids away from the cameras? Or are they fame-hungry wannabe celebs? The once-royal couple have spent the week releasing videos and pics of their intimate family moments. First it was a cringey video of the pair twerking in the hospital delivery room in a bid to induce the birth of Lilibet. Then Meghan up-loaded photos from their family trip to Disneyland to celebrate their daughter's fourth birthday. Looks like rank hypocrisy to me. TULIP'S PARTY GAMES 7 FORMER minister Tulip Siddiq may be under investigation for corruption in Bangladesh, but that didn't stop the Labour politician throwing herself a glitzy party to celebrate ten years of being an MP. Lucky guests were treated to a free glass of fizz, while Tulip, handed out certificates to party volunteers who had helped her get elected. But the event itself was all rather cloak and dagger. The location was top secret, and guests were only told where to go hours before doors opened. Was she worried about a knock at the door?
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I won first Love Island but the fall out from my instant fame was so bad I've given up sex for good, says Jessica Hayes
BEAMING Jessica Hayes had the world at her feet when she was crowned Love Island's very first winner alongside hunky Max Morley. But a decade later, the twice-engaged star has now taken a vow of celibacy and given up on romance after repeatedly having her heart broken. 6 6 As the hit ITV show celebrates its ten-year anniversary this week, 32-year-old Jess blames reality TV fame for sending her into a downward spiral. She told The Sun on Sunday: 'I'm so done with romance and dating. 'I don't want to fall in love. I just want peace and I'm down with being celibate. 'I don't miss sex or hugs or kisses. I don't miss men at all, to be honest. 'Right now, I don't know what's wrong with me. I think I'm traumatised.' It was a very different story in 2015 when then-host Caroline Flack announced Jess and Max, both 22 at the time, had won Love Island 's first series. Wearing a figure-hugging red dress, the former bank worker from Gloucester threw her arms around her suited partner and shrieked in delight. The smitten couple, who chose to share the £50,000 prize, received the most votes from the public after famously romping in the Mallorca villa as cameras rolled. Max, a professional cricketer from Huddersfield, settled with brunette Jess despite temporarily leaving her to couple up with her arch-rival Naomi Ball. The win was even more remarkable as Jess was drafted in at the last minute, having previously been told she had not made the cut. Jess Hayes Welcomes Baby Zenny: A New Chapter But just six weeks after their triumph, the winners dramatically split when Max was caught spending the night with Geordie Shore reality star Charlotte Crosby. Jess said: 'I had no idea what I was in for. 'It was chaotic. You forget there is an outside world and it's not normal to be locked in a confined space with a bunch of strangers for six weeks. 'I remember thinking, I wonder if anyone is watching this? "We didn't have a clue how big the show was going to be. 'To come out and find people running up to you in a shopping centre asking for a picture, it's bizarre. "Your life changes overnight. 'I had genuine feelings for Max, but personal appearances were a big thing back then. 'I WAS HEARTBROKEN' 'The male Love Island stars would have girls literally throwing themselves at them in nightclubs, so it was never going to work. 'When he was photographed with Charlotte, I was genuinely upset. 'I know some relationships from the show have worked out, but I think they must have a different level of maturity. 'Max wasn't that kind of guy. "In my own way, I was heartbroken, and I don't take heartbreak very well. I never have.' Now a devoted single mum-of-two, Jess admits she got too caught up in the party lifestyle in her twenties. A big wake-up call came with the suicides of Love Island stars Sophie Gradon, 32, in 2018, Mike Thalassitis, 26, the following year, and host Caroline, 40, in 2020. Jess said: 'It was awful what happened — just horrendous. This industry can be tough. "My rock bottom was three years after the show. 'I remember feeling very lost and thinking, what now? "You go out a lot and party a lot and sometimes it can be to excess and that's not good for you. "You come out of a show and you're a celebrity and no one says, 'This might only last five minutes'. 6 6 'I didn't have good guidance or good management and that didn't help me take the right path. 'There were points where I thought, what the hell am I doing? 'It's late nights and drinking a lot. It's not a normal lifestyle. 'You haven't got a day job to go to and you're going to showbusiness parties and film premieres. 'It's a lot for a young person to handle and it's a slippery slope. "It's not a Love Island thing, it's just an issue of handling the fame.' Jess's love life has proven to be equally turbulent. After splitting with Max, she got engaged to mechanic Dan Lawry six months after they met. The couple were overjoyed when she gave birth to their son Presley in 2019, but sadly she miscarried their second son Teddy at 19 weeks and they called time on their relationship in 2021. Jess next found love with a property developer called Zeb — she declines to give his surname — and she suffered another miscarriage in April 2023 before their daughter Zendaya Rose was born in May last year. The couple separated just before Christmas in 2024. Jess touchingly bounces her daughter on her knee during our interview. On being a single mum, she said: 'I couldn't ask for more from my children's dads. 'They are in their lives and they are good with them. Co-parenting is a bag of poop. "It's the worst thing ever. Over time, when you are a few years in, it's more of a breeze. 'But right now, while she's so little, I find it hard. "I need a break sometimes because I'm going crazy, but when she's not with me my anxiety goes through the roof.' Last week, Jess took part in ITV's Love Island: Decade Of Love show looking back on the programme's most unforgettable moments, ahead of its return to our screens tomorrow. Millie Court, 29, and Liam Reardon, 25 — who won in 2021 and are still a couple — also appeared on the anniversary show, proving that some Islanders have found The One while making millions in the process. Jess has become a successful social media influencer with 337,000 followers on Instagram, yet admits her fortunes have been more mixed. She said: 'I was so naive when I went on Love Island. 6 "If I was watching the show now, I would say, 'No Jess, what are you doing?' I tolerated a lot in there. 'But I never think with my head and I've never made the right decisions in love. 'I've been really impulsive and I rush into things too quickly. It gets me nowhere and I get hurt. 'That's why I want to be independent and focus on me and making money — and things that are long-term for my kids. 'I don't feel the need to get involved in relationships and I'm determined not to get back into bad old habits. I'm not materialistic at all now and I think that having children, your priorities change Jess "I haven't made millions of pounds or amassed millions of followers from going on Love Island, but I will never regret my journey. "It's given me a steady income for ten years and that makes me one of the lucky ones. 'Part of me wishes I'd had a few more opportunities, whether that be in TV or whatever. 'But if you're handed a lot of money when you are young, you can be quite careless. 'I'm not materialistic at all now and I think that having children, your priorities change. 'And if my daughter tells me she wants to apply for the show in 20 years time I will tell her, 'No way — not unless I'm your manager'.'
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island fans stunned as they spot Towie legend's forgotten villa cameo- do you remember it?
LOVE Island fans were left stunned as they spotted Towie legend Mark Wright's forgotten cameo on the ITV2 show. In a special episode to celebrate the series' 10th year, iconic couples and ex-Islanders looked back at some unforgettable moments on Love Island: A Decade of Love. 5 5 5 5 And there one one particular scene from series one that left viewers doing a double take. Former contestants Hannah Elizabeth and Jessica Hayes sat down to remember some of the highs and lows from their series back in 2015. During her time in the villa, Jessica grew close Max Morley and TV personality Mark appeared as a guest on Love Island, where he encouraged his pal to ask Jess to be his girlfriend. While watching the throwback clip, Hannah gasped: "Mark! I forgot about him, when he came in. The scene showed Mark approaches Max and asks him whether he sees a future with Jess. "To what level would you say you're falling for Jess?" Mark asks. Max then revealed he'd been planning to ask Jess to be his girlfriend, to which Mark suggests: "Why don't you do it now while I'm here, I'd love to be here when that happens?" Mark calls Jess over and says: "Jess, I'm only in here once and I have to go soon. I spoke to Max and while I'm in here I would like Max to say what he wants to say..." Max then tells Jess: "I know things move forward quickly in here, and it's a little bit weird for me, but would you like to be my official girlfriend?" Love Island casting comes under fire AGAIN after it's revealed star had TikTok account where he 'secretly films women' Jess was over the moon and said:" Yes!" Those watching at home were equally surprised, with some younger fans completed unaware Mark was ever a guest. One said: " Mark Wright was on Love Island???!!" A second wrote: "I had no idea Mark Wright appeared on Love Island, I'm probably too young for the old series." "Wait! Mark Wright had a cameo on Love Island?! I never knew that," a third added. Jess was crowned winner of the show with ex Max. But they went their separate ways, and she ended up dating Zeb, who she later got engaged to. Jess and Zeb started dating in 2021 after they met through mutual friends. Their romance came after Jess split with her baby daddy fiancé Dan Lawry. Jess and Zeb got engaged in 2022. Jess revealed that she was pregnant with her second child in December last year. The reality star shared the happy news after suffering a devastating miscarriage in 2023. But now it appears Jess and Zeb have split after the reality recently posted a poignant video with her beautiful children. She captioned it: 'Life update. POV – starting over with your babies trusting in the universe everything will be ok.' Jess shared a clip inside a new home and unpacking boxes. She twirled around in the kitchen, while also videoing her little ones. Jess also showed off black and white photos she'd put up on the wall in her new home, including one of her baby bump and others of her children. 5
Buzz Feed
07-05-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
22 Splurge-Worthy Korean Skincare Products To Really Step Up Your Routine
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Featuring a device that helps all your products absorb better so you get the *maximum* benefits — sounds like a great investment to me. 1. A "lifting" essence that reviewers on TikTok are referring to as "Botox in a bottle." It's made with NAD+, which can help boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, along with 50 types of peptides to help plump and firm your skin. With a stretchy texture that's similar to snail mucin but thicker, this gem can help make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable in four weeks! Amazon Here's how to use it: Take 2–3 drops and apply evenly all over your face — if you want to target any particular areas that have wrinkles, like smile lines, frown lines, and your forehead, you can apply extra there. Gently massage the product into your skin until it's fully absorbed. For an added boost, follow up with their lifting sheet mask at night to lock in the benefits! Promising review:"I've tried countless essences over the years, but Numbuzin No.9 Essence | NAD+ BIO has completely blown me away! From the very first week, I noticed a visible reduction in my pores and an overall improvement in my skin's texture. My complexion looks smoother, firmer, and more refined, giving me that coveted 'glass skin' effect." — Bug Lady Get it from Amazon for $28.10. 2. A bottle of Ma:nyo cleansing oil ready to practically ~melt~ away impurities on your skin — we're talking makeup, sunscreen, and that stubborn excess sebum that loves to clog pores and create blackheads. It's created with a blend of vitamin E-rich argan oil and a whopping 14 other plant-derived oils, delivering a deeply nourishing cleanse while maintaining your skin's moisture and pH balance. BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores. Promising review:"The first pic [above] is from before I started using this face wash; the second pic is a month or so after. I used it to wash my face, and then I washed and exfoliated IMMEDIATELY after the oil cleanser with a foaming face cleanser. (Make sure to get all the oil cleanser off.) It smells good, like citrus, and you can use it on more than ur face. I used it on my armpits and it lightened them, so that's also cool. It made my dark circles lighter as well. My skin got much brighter and now glows. Not greasy, but glowy. A great face wash and very worth the price." — Jessica Hayes Get it from Amazon for $28.99. 3. A bottle of Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops packed with vitamins that help plump and brighten your skin along with hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing moringa seed oil for an instant dewy glow. ✨ Promising review: "Tried this product out after seeing it on TikTok, and my daughter and I loved it. We are waiting for the bigger bottle to come in today! With this serum, we were able to achieve that pretty glass look that we were looking for. I did try out five other products, but this one is one that will be in our bathroom for quite some time. It smells great. It feels great, and after a couple of weeks, I wasn't even wearing foundation anymore — that's how good my skin looked! Definitely give it a try!" — Debbie Shannon Avila Get it from Amazon for $35. 4. A Laneige water sleeping mask so incredibly moisturizing that one reviewer describes it as a " hydration volcano." It's infused with squalane and a probiotic-derived complex, which is just a fancy way of saying it delivers intense moisture without that greasy, heavy feeling. Plus, it helps to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier, making your complexion look brighter and more radiant. Amazon Promising reviews: "I almost never buy the same beauty product twice, with very few exceptions. Why, when there are so many to try?! This one blew my mind. It feels so rich and luxurious, but still soaks in quickly. It doesn't feel sticky or oily, and it makes my skin feel incredible. I'm combination, but run dry, and this keeps me evened out even in winter." — fannbea6 "This mask is the best!! Your skin will feel hydrated and soft. It is a great overnight reset moisturizer. Tip: I put it inside my fridge so it can stay cold, and when I put it on, the feeling is fantastic, especially after a long day of work." — Valery Caicedo Get it from Amazon for $32. 5. Also from Laneige: A glowy lip balm to instantly elevate your makeup look, whether you're going for a cute daytime vibe or a sultry evening allure — or just rock it solo with its amazing high-shine finish. The texture is smooth as silk, lightweight, and *not* sticky, so you'll feel like you're in lip balm heaven. Promising review:"Everyone needs this lip gloss in their lives. It honestly makes your lips feel so good. I have one with my makeup and one in my purse to take everywhere with me. It's glossy but not sticky. It feels light on, but makes your lips instantly feel more nourished. Worth every penny." — Britney Badger Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in nine shades and as a cute gift set). 6. A cleansing balm complete with a handy lil' spatula, offering a hygienic way to scoop out just the right amount of product without dipping your fingers in the jar. Reviewers love the silky smooth texture and that it truly melts away makeup and sunscreen. Plus, it naturally brightens your complexion while helping to control oil! Amazon, Promising reviews:" My first 'forever' product. I feel like a changed woman. I've never had a product that I loved so much that I thought, 'That's it, this is a product I'll buy for the rest of my life.' In walks this balm. It is so luxurious to use with my gua sha before my other skincare stuff. Don't think, just buy this stuff." — Amanda Stoerner " I have tried quite a few oil cleansers in the last 6-7 years. This is the best one. Better than Farmacy, better than Youth to the People, better than Naturium, and better than any other Japanese or Korean brands I have tried. It removes difficult makeup and sunscreen in 60 seconds (that is how long I like to massage my cleansers in) and it feels so silky on the skin. It has a nice slip to it so I never feel that I am tugging at my face. It all melts into my hands as soon as I begin to rub them together. My biggest pet peeve with cleansing balms is that they never fully melt into my hands and I'm left with big cleanser chunks between my fingers. That is not the case with this balm. It is perfect. It does not leave a residue and leaves my face feeling soft. The price is a bit wild, but honestly, I truly think I will keep coming back because I have never used a better balm and I don't believe I ever wil l." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $39. 7. A color corrector that starts off green but then blends seamlessly into your skin like magic, neutralizing any redness. It's packed with Centella asiatica extract, which is well-known in Korea for its calming and soothing properties. Plus, with glycerin in the mix, your face stays hydrated and glowing all day long. It's a great tool for evening out redness on no-makeup days, or layering under your foundation for an even more polished look! Note: This does contain SPF 25, but based on guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology, you should still wear a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30! Promising review:"I have rosacea, and it's often accompanied by not just redness, but uneven texture and flaking. I was genuinely shocked how easily and quickly this stuff went on, and how much better my skin looks! Being able to put something on that looks great without spending a ton of time prepping is amazing. My face feels soft and looks so much less red, and so much more even. Using this completely on its own looks better than any other expensive primer and foundation I've tried. I'm so happy I found this!" — S. K. Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in two sizes). 8. A rejuvenating Bifida Biome Complex ampoule containing five types of probiotics that work overtime to strengthen your skin barrier, with 10 types of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. This ampoule is like a super quick-absorbing potion that your skin just drinks up, leaving you feeling refreshed and glowing. Promising review:"I received a sampler of this product a couple of years ago, and I've been repurchasing it on my own ever since. It's my holy grail — it's hydrating, soothing, and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, even when my skin barrier isn't doing well due to tret/sunburn/acne/allergies. The packaging is stunning, and the serum itself has a lovely texture that's just right in my opinion. It's not too thick or thin, it spreads super well, and it dries down in a way that feels heavenly. It just sinks into your skin and leaves it feeling soft, without any residue, and immediately after application my skin feels bouncy and glowing in that chokchok/mochi/glass skin fashion." — Rex Get it from Amazon for $31.50. 9. Belif Aqua Bomb, a gel-based moisturizer reviewers *rave* about for its lightweight, watery texture and refreshing cooling effect — perfect for those upcoming hot and humid days. In just 10 seconds, it absorbs without any stickiness while delivering a surge of moisture, leaving your face feeling plump and looking radiant. BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel LOVES this: "Belif's Aqua Bomb moisturizer is easily my desert island skincare product. Although I have dry-leaning combination skin, I hate most moisturizers because creamy formulas feel heavy and just yucky to me, especially under makeup. Aqua Bomb's gel-like consistency absorbs like a dream. It's soothing to stressed out skin in the winter and cooling through the heat of summer. I recommend it — and gift it! — to friends and family of all skin types because it gives your skin that bouncy hydration it craves without feeling oily in the slightest. I've put it on every night and most mornings for years and have no plans of stopping any time soon!" Psst — check out her Belif Aqua Bomb review for more deets! Get a full-size jar from Amazon for $47.89 (also available in two smaller sizes). 10. A pack of peptide patches — these look just like stickers, but they do way more: They block 98% of UV rays from reaching your delicate under-eyes thanks to their UPF 50+ rating, *plus* they're packed with hydrating and brightening peptides to give your skin that extra oomph. They're so thin and clear, they practically disappear on your skin, and they're water- and sweat-resistant so you can rock them all day without any slipping. Amazon The UPF 50+ rating is the same one that's used for sun protection clothing. You can read more about UPF, why it matters, and how it's different from SPF on the Skin Cancer Foundation website. Promising review: "I purchased this product for sun protection while golfing, and I love it. The patches are invisible on your skin and feel super lightweight. They also lasts all day, even when you're out in the sun and sweating. If you're looking for extra sun protection, I highly recommend you get these patches!" — Amazon Customer Get five pairs from Amazon for $19.95. 11. A Medicube Age-R Booster Pro if you want to feel like you just left a Korean skin clinic without having to hop on a flight. This device features four different treatments, all powered by LED light therapy, that can exfoliate, tighten, boost the efficacy of your other products, and rejuvenate your skin. It announces the minutes as you're using it to ensure you don't overuse it in one spot and doesn't take long to see noticeable results. It's recommended to use the Air Shot mode 2–3 times a week. The other modes — Booster, MC (microcurrent), and Derma Shot — can be used 1–3 times daily. You can also sync the device with the Age-R app, which guides you through a custom calendar and allows you to track your progress. I own the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro and it is definitely worth the splurge! When I first started using this device I had a dark mark from a pimple on my cheek, but with consistent use of this device, it faded in under a week (wish I had taken those before and after pics!). Overall, it didn't take long to notice that my face was visibly brighter and lifted. Although I've slacked a bit lately (oops, guilty of being lazy 😅), I've definitely seen the difference when I'm diligent with it. Promising review: "I have been using the Booster Pro for a month now, and the results are fantastic! My pores are less visible, and my skin is more radiant. The LED lights and various modes make it easy to target specific concerns. The AGE-R app is a great addition, providing helpful tips and progress tracking. Worth every penny." — J Miles 12. Or the Mini Booster Pro in case you prefer a more straightforward yet effective tool. This version features the same Booster Mode for better product absorption and utilizes both blue and red LED light therapy to help soothe and calm your skin while making it look more radiant. This compact skincare companion is perfect for travel, and like the Age-R Booster Pro, it can be synced with the Age-R app. Heads up: This model doesn't come with a USB-C charging cable or adapter, so snag one if you need it! Promising review: "The design is sleek and comfortable to hold, and it's compact enough to take with me if I'm traveling. After using it regularly, I've noticed a visible improvement in my skin's texture and tone. My skin feels firmer, smoother, and more refreshed. It's the perfect tool to help enhance my skincare products and really give my skin that extra boost. If you want something that's both effective and relaxing, the Medicube Mini Booster Pro is definitely worth it!" — Lissi Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in pink or white). 13. A retinol neck cream that also contains hyaluronic acid and collagen, a delightful concoction that can help give your neck the TLC it deserves. It has a built-in gua sha roller, providing a little massage moment while you apply the product to your neck, jawline, and décolleté. Over time, it can help your neck appear lifted, firmer, and oh-so-smooth! Promising reviews:"I'm happy with this neck cream. The roller makes it super easy to apply, and it kind of feels like a mini massage while using it. It's way more convenient than using my hands, and I've noticed my neck lines looking a bit lighter than before. I'm definitely going to keep using it and see how it goes." — Sandy "Noticeable lift and smoothness after a few uses! The massage roller feels amazing and helps the cream absorb better. My neck feels firmer already." — Ethan Ahn Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (also available as a refill). 14. A Peach & Lily water gel moisturizer ready to transform your skin into pure, dewy perfection — think glazed donut vibes, but in the most fabulous way possible. Filled with hyaluronic acid as well as vegan prebiotics and probiotics, this magical moisturizer dives deep to draw in moisture while balancing and nourishing your skin's microbiome. Ulta Peach & Lily is a woman- and Asian-owned biz specializing in cruelty-free, spa-quality K-beauty skincare. Promising review: "I have pretty dry skin around my nose and chin area, and I was worried this wouldn't be moisturizing enough, especially as I recently started using tretinoin at night. I have been very pleased with the product! My skin looks amazing, doesn't feel greasy, and is well-hydrated. Also, it's unscented, which is a huge plus for my sensitive skin, and it's vegan! Couldn't recommend more." — Kate A. Get it from Ulta for $43. 15. An amazing enzyme peel powder that works double duty as both a cleanser and an exfoliator. The powder-to-foam formula contains two exfoliating green tea enzymes that lift all the debris and gunk from your pores without any harsh scrubbing. It also has hyaluronic acid to help lock in hydration, leaving your face smooth and supple. Amazon Promising review:"I started using this amazing product because I was given a sample, and the first time I tried it, I knew it was something extra special. I could see a difference IMMEDIATELY (not kidding), and now I am a devout believer. This enzyme peel is the closest thing to getting an actual peel without the pain and the healing time — and cost — that's required. I now use it 2–3 times a week. It really does have instant results. I sometimes even go without makeup now. And I am 58-years-old. That's impressive! Thanks Amore Pacific!" — Katharine Pope Get it from Amazon for $68. 16. A bottle of goami rice toner if you need a little extra help with hydration. This fragrance-free toner gives the skin a lovely illuminating effect while also improving its protective moisture barrier. This toner is also alcohol-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. The original formula is great for dry skin, providing deep hydration and nourishment. If you have oily or combination skin, try the light formula instead, as it can help control excess oil and prevent breakouts. Promising review: " This toner is magical! I have huge pores so I got this toner to try to help with that and not only did it shrink my pores, it helped with the overall texture of my skin. No more little bumps.I've only been using this for about a month now? And no I have not been extremely consistent, you start to see results pretty quick so if you're trying to get that glass skin look, I highly recommend you add this to your skincare routine." — Kiki Get the original formula from Amazon for $23.50 (also available in a light formula). 17. A whole body deodorant gel that works by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria *before* it can cause a stink — it also helps dark underarms and soothes the skin. And as a HUGE bonus, you'll smell like a luxe blend of bergamot, white rose, and vetiver, so no one will even guess you've just come from the gym or dashed to catch the bus! It's also free from aluminum, parabens, and phthalates! House of Balance is a small wellness brand that creates products made from natural ingredients like Korean seaweed and essential oils. Promising review:"I'm absolutely loving this deodorant! It has completely transformed by daily routine when it comes to odor control, The best part is that it's not just for my underarms — I can apply it on my wrists and neck too, just like a perfume! I also appreciate how lightweight the formula feels — it's not sticky or heavy, which makes it a pleasure to apply." — Marina C. Get it from House of Balance for $29. 18. A Sulwhasoo activating serum crafted with ginseng, a long-time Korean beauty staple. This serum helps strengthen your skin's barrier, which can be a bit vulnerable when cleansing, and preps your skin so that other products in your routine can fully absorb and work more effectively. It also smooths and hydrates dry patches, leaving your skin feeling firm and looking incredibly radiant. Sephora Allergy info: This does contain nut products (like walnut seed extract). Promising reviews: "I LOVE THIS PRODUCT. I have acne and had so many scars and dark spots but THIS PRODUCT!! After about two days of using it, my skin looked soooo much better. A staple in my routine, and I have refilled twice now." — sllaks "Ok I actually wish I took a before and after picture. I'm a couple of days in and I should mention I have super sensitive skin. Very prone to breakouts and rashes. My skin looks like plastic. My pores that are usually huge are almost nonexistent. I will recommend this miracle to everyone. Also didn't bother my skin in the slightest" — jeanqueen75 Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $89 (available in three sizes). 19. A Dear, Klairs freshly juiced vitamin mask you're going to absolutely love, especially if you have dry skin. This mask is packed with vitamins C and E along with niacinamide to keep your skin hydrated, radiant, and feeling firmer for hourrsssss. Amazon This vitamin mask has a pudding-like gel texture. Use it as a daily moisturizer and/or a sleeping mask! Promising review:"Freakin love this stuff. Makes my skin feel bouncy and hydrated. It feels like a beautiful drink of sunny morning water for the face. LOVE the smell of this stuff it's a very bright citrusy scent I can't describe fully that just smells like you are happy to be alive lol. Oh AND I looked up the ingredients of this stuff on the EWG website and it had pretty good safety ratings! After using this consecutively for a couple of weeks I've noticed a significant brightening affect and anti acne affect! I think this is due to the active ingredients being for skin barrier health so the skin is less likely to break out. And the evening of my skin tone is just an added benefit!" — CatLover222 Get it from Amazon for $21.66. 20. Torriden hyaluronic acid serum — this complex HA formula is designed to absorb super quickly and dive deep into your skin, delivering a mega-dose of moisture. With a lightweight, watery texture, this serum is all about maintaining that much-needed hydration and keeping your skin plump and smooth without any icky residue. Promising review: " Disclaimer: I went on Accutane five years ago, and this product is one of several other products in my day/night skincare routine. I first picked this up at an Olive Young store during a trip I took to South Korea. It was listed as one of their best-sellers and I 100% can see why. I mist my face before applying a few drops and it absorbs really quickly. Almost immediately my skin looks/feels more hydrated and prepped for the rest of my routine. The days where I feel lazy and don't complete my skincare routine or cheat and not use this, my face definitely looks less dewy/a little more dull. Idk but I'm sold for sure." — Jaylen Get it from Amazon for $22.52. 21. An acne-fighting face and body wash containing the powerhouse micro-benzoyl peroxide (10%) to penetrate deep into your skin and fight off pimples on your face, back, and butt without leaving your skin feeling tight and dry. Dr Song is a K-beauty brand that creates cruelty-free skincare and beauty products made from effective ingredients straight from the lab. Promising review:"For years I have struggled with back acne. I was a field hockey goalie in high school (gross, sweaty pads on my body) and played lacrosse in college (constant sweating under the hot Florida sun). Even after college, my back acne continued and left scars. Now I'm 25 and still work out a lot, so my back acne is persisting. All I ever wanted to do was wear a low open-back dress and feel comfortable. And unfortunately, I don't have health insurance so going to the dermatologist was out of the picture. About to give up and get laser treatment for my back, I ran across this wash and decided to give it a try. And WOW. I actually wish I had taken a before picture. Now I NEVER get back breakouts and it's even healed some of my scarring! I'm so happy I found this product!! I wish I had found it years ago!" — joanna youssef Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two strengths). 22. A honey mask infused with 38.7% (you guessed it) pure honey. This mask doesn't just moisturize your skin, oh no — it goes deep down to hydrate and plump up your complexion, shrinking the appearance of pores in the process. It's like a sweet treat for your face, giving you that coveted glow and making you feel like a million bucks. Amazon, Promising review: " This is my holy grail for my combination skin! I'm both oily and really dry; this both hydrates my dry skin but doesn't leave me feeling oily. I wake up glowing and refreshed. This is great to do before applying makeup to give you a smooth base. Definitely going to be something I reach for time after time, during any season." — Victoria Oliver Get it from Amazon for $32.30. Check out more AAPI-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Of course, the content doesn't end after May. Follow BuzzFeed's A*Pop on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest AAPI content year-round.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dress designer to host prom pop-up in Center Point
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Designer Jessica Hayes will host a prom dress pop-up shop this Sunday in Center Point. The 8th annual 'Prom Queen Tour' pop-up will be held at Brianna Janae Glam Studio in Center Point from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 11. The event will feature special rates, consultations, and giveaways. For tickets and more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
